ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Coal
Coal Ministry To Organize East Zonal Conference on PM- Gatishakti in Bhubaneswar
The Ministry of Coal will be organizing East Zonal Conference on PM-Gatishakti & National Logistic Policy in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on 16th of this month for coordination in integrated planning for infrastructure development in East Zonal States - Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Bihar.
The conference will be attended by senior officials of East Zonal States and different Ministries like Coal, DPIIT, Railways, Power, Steel, Fertilizers & Chemicals, MoRTH, Shipping Ports & Waterways along with industry representatives of East Zone. The conference aims to have in-depth discussions and suggestions for inclusive development of the region.
PM Gatishakti National Master Plan , a transformative approach for improving logistics efficiency and reducing logistic costs, was launched for integrated infrastructure development in the country. The objective is to bring different Ministries/States/Departments/ Industries together for integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure connectivity Projects.
Ministry of Culture
Prime Minister visits the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi for viewing the exhibition ‘Jana Shakti: A Collective Power’
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi today to view the exhibition ‘Jana Shakti: A Collective Power’. The exhibition has been organised to mark the 100th episode of Prime Minister’s popular radio programme Mann ki Baat. The exhibition celebrates the artistic diversity of India and is inspired by the themes highlighted in Mann ki Baat.
The Prime Minister was taken on a special walkthrough of the exhibition where the artists got an opportunity to explain their artworks and the themes of Mann Ki Baat that that inspired their artworks. The Prime Minister also viewed the immersive projection show of the Jana Shakti exhibition at the historic dome of the Jaipur house. After viewing the artworks, PM signed the Jana Shakti Exhibition catalogue and penned down the message, “Mann Mandir ki Yatra Sukhad ho..” The catalogue has also been pre-signed by the 13 artists.
Thirteen renowned modern and contemporary artists have utilized various mediums to express themselves and present an artistic representation of the Prime Minister's message on twelve themes. Each theme is related to topics such as Water Conservation, Nari Shakti, Awareness on Covid, Swachh Bharat, Environment & Climate Change, Indian Agriculture, Yoga & Ayurveda, Indian Science & Space, Sport & Fitness, India @ 75 & Amrit Kaal, Celebrating North-East India and India & the World.
The artists whose artworks are on display in the exhibition include Smt. Madhavi Parekh, Shri Manu Parekh, Shri Atul Dodiya, Shri Riyas Komu, Shri G.R Iranna, Shri Ashim Purkayastha, Shri Jiten Thukral & Shri Sumir Tagra, Shri Paresh Maity, Shri Pratul Dash, Shri Jagannath Panda, Shri Manjunath Kamath, and Ms. Vibha Galhotra.
Shri Govind Mohan, Secretary, Ministry of Culture; Smt. Kiran Nadar, Founder, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art and Dr. Alka Pande, Curator of the exhibition were also present on the occasion along with other officials and staff of the Ministry of Culture and National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi.
Ministry of Textiles
Promotion of Textile Export
To boost exports, Government has announced a scheme namely “Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products”  to all export goods, including textiles and garments with effect from 1st January, 2021. Further, in order to boost exports in Man-Made Fibre  sector, Government has removed anti-dumping duty on PTA, a key raw material for the manufacture of MMF fibre and yarn. Government has also removed anti-dumping duty on acrylic fibre, raw material for yarn and knitwear industry. Assistance is also provided to exporters under Market Access Initiative  Scheme. Government has enhanced interest equalization rate for pre and post shipment credit for exports done by MSMEs including textiles sector from 3% to 5% w.e.f. 02.11.2018. Benefits of Interest Equalization Scheme have been extended to merchant exporters from 02.01.2019 which was earlier limited to only manufacturer exporters.
Quantum of state-wise exports of textiles and garments during the last 3 years  is attached at Annexure.
Union Budget announcements 2021-22 include the launch of Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel  Parks scheme. To enable the textile industry to become globally competitive, attract large investments and boost employment generation, 7 Textile Parks will be established over 3 years. This will create world class infrastructure with plug and play facilities to enable and create global champions in exports.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Textiles, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Cabinet approves MoU between the India and Swaziland on cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine
The Union Cabinet Chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has has given its ex-post-facto for the Memorandum of Understanding  between the India and Swaziland on cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine. The MoU was signed on 9th April 2018.
The MoU covers the following areas of cooperation:-
i) Drugs & Pharmaceutical products;
ii) Medical Consumable products;
iii) Medical Research;
iv) Medical Equipment;
v) Public Health;
vi) Communicable Disease Control & Surveillance;
vii) Health Tourism; and
viii) Any other area of mutual interest.
A Working Group will be set up to further elaborate the details of cooperation and to oversee the implementation of this MoU.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh holds discussions with Minister of Interior of Mozambique, Mr Jaime Basilio Monteiro; gifts 44 SUVs to Mozambique
Shri Rajnath Singh returns tonight after concluding his fruitful visit to Mozambique
Continuing with his high-level engagements in Mozambique, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh today held discussions with Minister of Interior, Mr Jaime Basilio Monteiro in capital Maputo.
After the talks, the Raksha Mantri gifted 44 SUVs to the Minister of Interior. The SUVs are expected to boost safety and security of the Mozambican police forces. During the handing over ceremony, Mr Jaime Basilio Monteiro expressed gratitude towards India’s grant assistance to National Criminal Investigation Agency.
Yesterday, the Raksha Mantri called on Mr Carlos Agostinho do Rosario, the Prime Minister of Mozambique. During the talks, the Prime Minister of Mozambique thanked India for timely and valuable assistance in the aftermath of Cyclone IDAI, underlining that India was the first responder in the hour of crisis.
Shri Rajnath Singh also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation, Mr Jose Pacheco, who warmly recalled his visit to India last year for 4thJoint Commission Meeting and expressed satisfaction at the enhanced political engagement between India and Mozambique.
During the Raksha Mantri’s visit, India and Mozambique signed two MoUs - agreement on sharing white shipping information and co-operation in the field of Hydrography – which will further strengthen defence co-operation between the two countries and result in enhanced security in the Indian Ocean Region.
A dinner was hosted last night by the Defence Minister of Mozambique, Mr Atanasio Salvador M’tumuke in the honour of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh.
Mozambique has sought co-operation from India to deal with the growing menace of terrorism and radicalisation. Shri Rajnath Singh assured co-operation and reiterated commitment to work together in this regard.
During his meetings with the leaders of Mozambique, Raksha Mantri discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and noted the excellent Government-to-Government ties, strong business exchanges, vibrant development partnership, and long-standing people-to-people links between the two countries.
Shri Rajnath Singh is accompanied by a high-level delegation including Defence Secretary, DG, Coast Guards and senior officials of Ministries of Defence and External Affairs.
The Raksha Mantri will return to India tonight after concluding his fruitful visit to Mozambique from July 28-30, 2019.
India shares close, warm and friendly relations with Mozambique which is cemented by robust development partnership and a large presence of the Indian Diaspora. The visit of RM is expected to further strengthen relations with Mozambique.
ABB/Nampi/DK/Savvy
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Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Need for Energy-Efficient Engineering & Construction Technologies : Hardeep S Puri
National Seminar on "Emerging Trends in Public Architecture" - Year of Construction Technology
Shri Hardeep S. Puri, Minister of State for Housing & Urban Affairs has called for a paradigm shift in urban planning with sustainability at the core of development. “We must shift from a built environment which is energy wasting to energy saving, or better yet to one which generates energy. Energy-efficient engineering and construction technologies need to be at the core of reformulated building regulations and construction practices”, he added. The Minister was speaking at a National Seminar on ‘Emerging Trends in Public Architecture’ organised by Central Public Works Department here today. Shri DurgaShanker Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Prabhakar Singh, DG, CPWD, architects, urban planners and senior officials of the Ministry also participated in the Seminar.
Addressing those present, the Housing Minister stated that as India urbanizes further, there will be an exponential increase in the volume and complexity of waste, including hazardous e-waste, and quite extraordinary demands for energy, which cannot possibly be met through current fossil-fuel resources. If we are to cater to our future in such a large magnitude, engineering breakthroughs will be needed in which we do not degrade our limited natural resources and the ecological systems on which we all depend.
Mentioning that technology has accelerated at an incredible pace, including architecture, the Minister said that as populations grow and resources become scarcer, the efficient use of ever reducing resources at our disposal becomes more important. Our cities in near future will have to be much smarter and as part of these cities the Public Buildings and its architecture will also need to be smart. Already significant steps are being taken to evolve Smart Cities by the government. It will truly become a realization only when every component of such endeavour and every single stakeholder keeps pace with the latest in technology and trends taking shape world over.
Shri DurgaShanker Mishra, Secretary, MoHUA complimented CPWD for its innovative methods in completing difficult tasks in a time-bound manner. He also called for adopting the best ERP solutions in CPWD.
The Minister earlier released several publications brought out by CPWD like‘Architectural Footprints of CPWD’, ‘Conservation Audit’ and online modules on Construction Technology Year 2019-20.
Prime Minister's Office
PM interacts with three teams working on developing & manufacturing COVID-19 vaccine
The Prime Minister on Monday had virtual meetings with 3 teams working on developing & manufacturing vaccine for COVID-19. These teams were from Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd Pune, Biological E Ltd Hyderabad and Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd Hyderabad.
The PM appreciated the efforts being taken by the scientists in these companies to come out with a vaccine solution to tackle COVID-19. The potential of various platforms for vaccine development was also discussed.
PM also asked the companies to come out with their suggestions and ideas regarding the regulatory processes and related matters. He also suggested that they should take extra efforts to inform the general public in simple language about the vaccine and related matters such as its efficacy etc. Matters relating to logistics, transport, cold chain etc in respect of delivering the vaccines were also discussed.
All the vaccine candidates discussed are at different stages of trials and detailed data and results are expected early next year onwards.
The PM advised all the departments concerned to engage with the manufacturers and seek to resolve matters so that the efforts by these companies bear fruit in order to serve the needs of the country and the entire world.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Gadkari lauds completion of Kailash – Mansarovar Yatra Route from Dharchula to Lipulekh 
Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and MSMEs Shri Nitin Gadkari has complemented the efforts of the Border Roads Organisation  for achieving the completion of road connectivity from Dharchula to Lipulekh  famously known as Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra Route. The road was inaugurated today by Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, who flagged off the first convoy of vehicles from Pithoragarh via video conferencing.
Shri Gadkari said, the border villages are finally connected by roads for the first time and Kailash Mansarovar Yatris can now avoid the difficult 90Km trek and move upto China border in vehicles.
The Darchula – Lipulekh road is an extension of Pithoragarh-Tawaghat-Ghatiabagarh road. It originates from Ghatiabagarh and terminates at Lipulekh Pass, the gateway to Kailash Mansarovar. In this 80 Km road, the altitude rises from 6000 feet to 17,060 feet. With the completion of this project, the arduous trek through treacherous high-altitude terrain can now be avoided by the Pilgrims of Kailash MansarovarYatra and the period of journey will be reduced by many days.
At present, the travel to Kailash Mansarovar takes around two to three weeks through Sikkim or Nepal routes. Lipulekh route had a trek of 90 Km through high altitude terrain and the elderly yartris faced lot of difficulties. Now, this yatra will get completed by vehicles.
The construction of this road was hampered due to multiple problems. Constant snow fall, steep rise in altitude and extremely low temperatures restricted the working season to five months. Kailash MansarovarYatra took place in the working season from June to October and it coincided with move of locals and their logistics as well as movement of traders thus further reducing the daily hours for construction.
In addition, there were numerous flash floods and cloud bursts over last few years which led to extensive damages. In the initial 20 Km, the mountains have hard rock and are near vertical due to which BRO has lost many lives and 25 equipment were also badly damaged due to falling into Kali Nadi.
Despite all odds, in last two years, BRO could increase its output by 20 times by creating multiple attack points and inducting modern technology equipment. Helicopters were also extensively used to induct hundreds of tons of stores/ equipment into this sector.
Special Service and Features
Union Minister of State Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar to visit Kerala tomorrow
Will engage with students in Thrissur under the initiative ‘New India for Young India - Techade of Opportunities’
Will focus on wide range of skilling opportunities available for them in New India’s Techade; He will also visit his old school in Thrissur
The Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar will be leaving for Thrissur, Kerala tomorrow on a day-long visit.
The Minister will reach Kochi in the morning and proceed to Thrissur where he will be visiting St. Paul’s School and its Senior Secondary wing and interact with the students there. The Minister had studied in this school when he was five years old.
After his school visit, the Minister will leave for Panjal Road, where he will be addressing students at the Jyothi Engineering College, Jyothi Hills. He will be speaking about New India and the Techade of opportunities it offers for employment and entrepreneurship. He will be also making a presentation on India emerging as one of the top economies of the world and its technological capabilities.
The Minister has been engaging with young Indians under the initiative – ‘New India for Young India: Techade of Opportunities’. His interactions have been very well received by students, startups and entrepreneurs.
Later, the Minister will visit Mullurkara, about 25 kms from Thrissur and hold an interaction with the local leaders. He will also be offering his prayers at Thiruvanikavu  Temple in Mullurkara.
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways has opened Board Control Cell to ensure seamless flow of information and suggestions between Railway Administration and general public
Both 138 & 139 as well as Social Media cell would be manned round-the-clock to answer inquiries, provide assistance  & to disseminate relevant information to Railway customers and others
As part of its efforts to contain the impact of Covid-19 infection, Indian Railways has made functional two 24-hr Helplines – 138 & 139 - to answer inquiries, provide assistance & to disseminate relevant information to railway customers and others during the 21-day all-India lockout. Suggestions would also be accepted.
The idea of using the number 138 is to use, in addition to the call-centre based agent & IVRS services provided through 139, the wide reach of Indian Railways to service the large number of its patrons across the country. It is also clear that a large number of non-Railway related queries, especially pertaining to Covid- 19, might come from persons well versed only in the local language. The information sought would also be local and regional.
Indian Railways has opened a Railway Board Control Cell to ensure seamless flow of information and suggestions between Railway Administration and general public. This Control Office would work round the clock and shall be manned by a Director level officer. It would monitor calls received on the centralised Railway Helpline 139 and the decentralised Railway Helpline 138, in addition to monitoring trends on social media, especially Twitter, to communicate and alleviate any difficulties faced by Railway customers and others by taking timely action. Further complaints, suggestions or queries can also be mailed to railmadad@rb.railnet.gov.in.
While 139 will continue to work centrally as presently, 138 is a Helpline which will take the caller directly to the local Railway Division so as to provide him the updated local and regional information. Both 138 & 139 as well as Social Media cell would be manned round-the-clock to answer inquiries, provide assistance  & to disseminate relevant information to Railway customers and others. Suggestions would also be accepted. Helpline personnel would have updated information, inter alia, on issues like refund, State/District/Railway medical facilities, and updated Local/Regional/National Helpline Numbers for Covid-19 detection and aid.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Shri Kiren Rijiju to inaugurate NDMA's 14th Formation Day tomorrow
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, will inaugurate the 14th Formation Day of the National Disaster Management Authority  here tomorrow. The theme of this year's Formation Day is Early Warning for Disasters.
Early warning is a major element of disaster risk reduction and can minimise the loss of lives and economic impacts. Timely early warning is key to a structured and efficient response.
To be effective, early warning systems need to involve the communities at risk, generate public awareness, effectively disseminate warnings and ensure there is a constant state of preparedness. Over the years, we have made considerable progress in issuing accurate and timely early warning, especially for cyclones. Earlier this month, authorities could evacuate thousands before Cyclone Gaja made its landfall as its path was accurately predicted.
Stakeholders will discuss the roadmap, their roles and key challenges in issuing timely and accurate early warning and its dissemination to all relevant stakeholders, including the vulnerable communities.
A manual for training masons on Hazard-resistant Construction and a study report on Gujarat Floods of 2017 will also be released on the occasion. Dr. P. K. Mishra, Additional Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, will deliver the Valedictory address on the occasion.
NDMA Members and officials, senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs , National Disaster Response Force , National Institute of Disaster Management , Ministries/Departments of the Central Government, State Governments, civil society, and ex-Members and Advisory Committee members of NDMA will participate in the event.
Discussions at the event will increase awareness and aid improvement of our early warning mechanisms for disasters.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
More than 64.35 Lakhs Beneficiaries Enrolled under PMMVY during the Financial Year 2020-21
The maternity benefit under PMMVY is provided based on the claims made by the beneficiaries and as per the fulfillment of conditions of the scheme for disbursement of benefit. The indicative target for PMMVY was 51.70 lakh beneficiaries per annum. However, more than 64.35 lakhs beneficiaries were enrolled under PMMVY during the financial year 2020-21. The scheme covers all Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers , excluding PW&LM who are in regular employment with the Central Government or the State Governments or Public Sector Undertakings  or those who are in receipt of similar benefits under any law for the time being in force.
The actual amount spent for disbursement of maternity benefits to the eligible beneficiaries under Pradhan MantriMatruVandanaYojana  during the year 2020-21 is ₹2475.89 Crore .
This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. SmritiZubinIrani, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.